Sharks’ double loss is Sharks’ gain
WHILE one could say the news of two key Sharks players leaving Durban was a bit of a shock, it is hardly surprising.
Robert du Preez jr and Akker van der Merwe will be joining another Sharks side, the one in Sale, England, after Super Rugby.
The flyhalf and hooker are undoubtedly starters for the Durbanbased outfit in this year’s Super Rugby competition, meaning that next year there will have to be two new starting-quality players along the spine of the team.
Du Preez, since joining his brothers and father in his home province from the Stormers, has quickly made himself the general in the Sharks back line. He adds the ability to attack the line, and has a steady boot and good vision – something critical to getting the rest of an exciting Sharks back line going.
He will be missed in Durban, but having had a taste of life in the United Kingdom after a short stint there in December, it was only a matter of time before the pound, a new opportunity, and a chance to travel the world came knocking.
When he does depart, the Sharks will have a pretty able deputy to cover for him in Curwin Bosch. The youngster has been in and out the team, and relegated to fullback more times than he’d probably like because of Du Preez, so this departure may make him suddenly perk up once again.
Bosch has the ability to run the Sharks back line, with his silky running and good boot, but he is a little off colour, having not had an extended run at flyhalf to settle in.
However, with Du Preez now not in the future plans, it will be interesting to see how much more attention the coach pays Bosch this year in the No 10 jumper.
The loss of Van der Merwe is arguably a much bigger blow. The hooker came to Durban looking for more game time and a chance to prove himself, and that is just what he did.
His departure, as well as the continued absence of Chiliboy Ralepelle, means that twice-capped youngster Kerron van Vuuren is next in line for the No 2 jersey.
It seems unlikely that the Sharks will elevate the sturdy but uncomplicated hooker to the top of the pile after only one season in the big league.
It would probably be wise for the Sharks to seek out some other well-tested talent to fill the gap while Van Vuuren finds his feet. Looking around South Africa, the Bulls have recently brought in Schalk Brits, leaving Edgar Marutlulle somewhat in the lurch.
Robbie Coetzee at the Lions is another who will be looking for game time having to sit behind Malcolm Marx.
And former Sharks hooker Craig Burden has been spotted in and around Durban having seemingly left France, but how rugby ready he is is probably up for some debate.